Ash billows out of Shinmoedake in this image from a
live-feed broadcast near the volcano. (Photo courtesy of Kagoshima
Prefectural Government)

31 Jan 11 - Mount Shinmoe's first major eruption in almost 200
years is sending plumes of ash and rocks kilometres into the sky. Vulcanologists
say a giant lava dome on the volcano has grown to more than 500 metres in
diameter, sparked warnings of another, even more powerful blast.

With small pyroclastic flows sweeping down its flanks, the
volcano's behaviour is said to be "eerily similar to its belligerent demeanour
300 years ago, when it belched and bellowed on and off for 18 months."

Ash from the volcano has reached more than 17 cities and towns in Miyazaki and
Kagoshima prefectures, and officials
have urged residents near the volcano to evacuate.